The Kansas City Chiefs are set to make some changes to their starting lineup during the Week 6 game against the Washington Football Team.
After some abysmal play through the first five weeks of the season, the Chiefs have finally decided to bench Daniel Sorensen for Juan Thornhill. That’s not the only move on the defensive side of the ball that the team is set to make, though.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Chiefs are intent on getting more speed on the field on defense this week. Willie Gay Jr., who played his first game of 2021 last week after a short stay on injured reserve, is set to get more playtime alongside rookie LB Nick Bolton.
Chiefs know they need more speed on the field on defense. That will mean more Juan Thornhill at safety and possibly more Nick Bolton and Willie Gay together at linebacker.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) October 17, 2021
There were times during training camp where Gay looked like the best defensive player on the field. Getting him involved with more frequency is a smart choice for Kansas City, especially if he’s feeling more like himself after his return from injury.
The changes coming on Sunday don’t just extend to the defense either. According to our friend Pete Sweeney at Arrowhead Pride, the Chiefs intend to start Mike Remmers at right tackle over Lucas Niang. Earlier in the week, Remmers was spotted in a team photo from practice, taking snaps with the starting offensive line.
Amidst the reports about #Chiefs defensive changes, it is looking as though Mike Remmers will get the start at right tackle. Last year’s starter should get an opportunity to get his job back.
— Pete Sweeney (@pgsween) October 17, 2021
Fans who watched Remmers’ performance at left tackle in Super Bowl LV are probably seething with rage over this move. But if you watched No. 75 all year long, you’ll recognize that he did a fantastic job during the regular season at right tackle. With Patrick Mahomes struggling in the pocket, and Niang coming off a game where he surrendered eight pressures, it makes sense to make the switch and add a steady veteran presence to the right side of the line. Niang still has great long-term upside, but this could be a short-term move to help stabilize the offensive line.
Another move on the offensive side of the ball this week is to ensure that Josh Gordon receives more playtime. Andy Reid said as much earlier in the week, but former Chiefs OL Jeff Allen confirmed it.
I’ve been hearing there’s more moves but I can’t confirm them. I do know Gordon will get a lot more PT today
— Certified Cookie Lover ❤️🍪 (@JeffAllen71) October 17, 2021
Last week, the Chiefs had planned around 20 snaps for Gordon, but they switched into a hurry-up type of offense once they started playing from behind. That took Gordon out of the game plan, but this week he’s more prepared for any in-game situation the team may be faced with.
It remains to be seen whether these moves will help, but it’s hard to imagine that they could make things any worse after Kansas City’s rough start to the 2021 NFL season.
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